I have seen these types of pictures on my feed since the passing of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. It is sad…there needs to be an honest conversation about eternity. There was a decision made a few decades ago that we need focus on Life in Christ and not focus on hell. I am a proud proponent of that philosophy. However, inso doing we have forgotten to communicate the truth about hell. Hell is real. Hell is eternal. Hell is painful. Hell is a recognition that you had the opportunity for Glory yet must spend an eternity separated for it. Hell is also a real place of torment, fire, and anguish. There is a devastating myth that hell is going to be one big party with loud music, beer, whiskey, and women. It isn’t…the devil is not the master of ceremonies for a grand celebration mocking all the goody goodies in heaven. The devil hates you. All of you. The devil hates the Christian and he hates the Wiccan. The devil hates the men and he hates the women. The devil hates Billy Graham and he hates Hitler. Jesus says the enemy is here to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Steal, kill, and destroy what you may ask? You. So, I beg you…stop with the cute portrayals of hell. Ozzy is not in heaven (he has openly mocked God, even up to his final days). Ozzy is not partying in Hell. In fact he is probably enduring more pain for appropriating Satans label “The prince of darkness”.
The good news is there is good news. The other side of hell is heaven. For God so loved you that he gave his one and only son…that whoever believes in him will not die (spiritually) but have eternal life. Heaven is full of joy, love, a flawless world that is absent the pain of sin and death. So, I beg you don’t take eternity lightly. I promise you Jesus and Satan don’t.
Sean Rheaume 